How honest can government be with itself when leading on its own enquiry.
Inquiries have become the most prevalent theme of 2012 in UK government. The year 2012 began with the government increasingly under the magnifying glass.
Focus was placed upon the way the administration accounts of itself over the nations affairs. The question was whether government would be true to itself during introspection.
Questions have been raised about whether or not standards are being maintained. With only a few scapegoats scalped since the MP expenses crisis, the public have faced a barrage of other inquiries addressing excessive spending during a time of excessive cuts. This has been far reaching from national government to local authorities.
In addition ministers came under the spotlight as global banks, companies and the media shook under the pressure of various revelations. The cogs on the well oiled PR machine loosened as the relationship between parliament, businesses and the media became increasingly suspect.
What does actually motivate our MPs these days? Is it embodying, maintaining and protecting a standard of citizenship within society?
Or has personal self interest changed what was once a vocation into a career (celebrity) path?
Our Lord points to this first when it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven;
Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven'
...Whilst highlighting the latter when it comes to the Kingdoms of the world.
Matthew 20:19-28 'But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The latter end of the year seemed to point this out with the conservative MP Nadine Dorries entering 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here' The argument which ensued amongst MPs seemed to focus more upon how much MPs take time off missing parliamentary sittings rather than the appropriateness of the programme. It s reported that the conservative MP had gone on the show to break out of the Westminster bubble and talk directly with voters.
I was of the understanding that all an MP had to do to reach voters was to participate actively within their ministerial jurisdiction (local authority).
Since when was celebrity programmes a real reflection of the local citizens life anyway? I could not see a connection between the Australian outback and the urban jungle we voters face each day.
Unless of course starving yourself on 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here' equaled the severe austerity measures currently being faced by working class families.
Well the conservative leader David Cameron did state that we all must share the financial squeeze together! Although this seems more of an exception rather than the rule, as some MPs it seems can determine the nature of the squeeze by simulating austerity on T.V.
Judging by the outcome which saw the MP evicted after a week undergoing bush tucker trials I personally doubt that local constituents buy that!
If inquiries are anything to go by the public did a far better job on 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here' judging the matter within a week rather than some of our government lead inquiries which have cost us far much more and are yet still to be resolved.
Pop over to the parliamentary website to monitor inquiries.
For King and for country...
